For example, a recording made in the France could not be played on an American VCR.

If you or your clients view video tapes that are from outside of the United States, or send videos abroad, you must first convert the tape to or from the foreign television standard.

The system used in America & Canada is called "NTSC". Western Europe and Australia use a system called "PAL", and Eastern Europe and France use "SECAM". Without standards conversion, it is impossible to view a video program that is recorded in a foreign country without first converting the tape.

It does apply to TV. NTSC is typically broadcast at 525 lines while PAL is typically 625. Not sure if this is still the case, but a while back it was said that HD broadcasts for PAL would be higher than HD broadcast in NTSC.

World Television Standards
There are currently 3 main television standards used throughout the world:
NTSC - National Television Standards Committee. The oldest existing standard, developed in the USA. First used in 1954. Consists of 525 horizontal lines of display and 60 vertical lines. Sometimes referred to as "Never Twice the Same Color."
Only one type, known as NTSC M.

SECAM - Système Électronique pour Couleur avec Mémoire. Developed in France. First used in 1967. A 625-line vertical, 50-line horizontal display. Sometimes referred to as "Something Essentially Contrary to the American Method" or
SEcond Colour Always Magenta!" Different types use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specs. Types B and D usually used for VHF; types G, H, and K for UHF; types I, N, M, K1 and L for both VHF/UHF. Different types are
generally not compatible.
PAL - Phase Alternating Line. Developed in the United Kingdom & Germany. First used in 1967. Also a 625/50-line display. Proponents call it "Perfection At Last." Due to the cost of the enormous circuit complexity, critics often refer to it as
"Pay A Lot". Different types use different video bandwidth and audio carrier specs. Common types are B, G and H; less common types include D, I, K, N and M. The different types are generally not compatible.